Bass questions

• How often should bass strings be replaced?

  Replacing bass strings every three to six months is a useful starting point if you want a bright sound. Change them sooner with frequent playing or corrosive sweat, or keep them longer if you prefer a mellower tone and they remain in good condition.

• MONO M80 Bass Gig Bag vs Adam Hall Flight Case Strap Handle: which should I buy?

  Buy the MONO M80 if you need a bag to carry your bass; buy the Adam Hall strap handle if you’re fitting or replacing a handle on a flight case. They do different jobs, so they aren’t direct alternatives.

• What is the best five-string bass guitar and amp pack for £250?

  The Gear4Music Chicago 5 String Neck Thru Bass Guitar + 15W Amp Pack Natural fits a £250 budget at its listed best new price. It is the only matching pack in the supplied selection, so it is a shortlist option rather than a proven best-in-class choice.

• What's the best beginner bass guitar pack under £150?

  The Gear4Music Chicago Bass Guitar pack at £130 is my pick from these options: it explicitly includes a 15W bass amp and accessories. The £80 VISIONSTRING pack is the cheaper alternative, but check its contents before buying.